Yellowknife (Dec 15/03) - Western Arctic MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew won a promotion in Prime Minister Paul Martin's new federal cabinet.

The long-time Chretien loyalist was elevated to Minister for Children and Youth from her previous position as secretary of state for the same portfolio.

Martin passed over Nunavut MP Nancy Karatek-Lindel, who was parliamentary secretary to the natural resources minister.

The Department of Indian and Northern Development (DIAND) will be run by Andy Mitchell. The MP for Parry Sound-Muskoka was secretary of state for rural development under Jean Chretien.

Mitchell's biography describes him as a strong advocate for the needs of rural Canada and Northern Ontario.

He is the author of the Think Rural Report that promotes economic development in rural and remote areas of the country.